germ pore
- noun
- Specialized
- Each pollen grain contains a germ pore that allows the pollen tube to grow out during fertilization.
Examples
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The number and position of germ pores on pollen grains can help identify plant species.
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The germ pore allows the spore to germinate.
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A breakdown in the germ pore may hinder the successful germination of the spore.
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Many germ pores can be found on pollen grains.
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Each pollen grain has a germ pore that allows the pollen tube to emerge during germination.
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Scientists study the germ pores of different spores to understand their germination patterns.
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The germ pore provides a crucial opening for the spore to develop into a new plant.
Synonyms
A tiny opening on a leaf or stem that lets gases and water vapor pass
A tiny opening in a plant seed that lets pollen enter during fertilization
A small hole in a fungus or algae that lets spores out
Surface Forms
Morphology
The compound links two transparent nouns: 'pore' (an opening) and 'germ' (related to germination/embryo), so learners can infer it denotes an opening associated with germination. However, the specific biological sense — a pore in spores/pollen through which a germ tube emerges — requires domain knowledge and 'germ' may be misinterpreted as a microbe, so the relation is only partly predictable for a B1 learner.
Etymology
Germ pore: The noun germ pore names the tiny opening in the outer wall of a spore or pollen grain. This small pore is where the germ or 'pollen tube' comes out when the spore or pollen grain starts to grow, so germ pore means the little hole through which growth begins.